Minimally invasive orthopaedic cutting tool

Abstract

An orthopaedic cutting tool which includes a partially hemispherical shell having a shell radius, and a base including a first circumferential base segment and a second circumferential base segment. The shell has a first part on one side of the first circumferential base segment and the second circumferential base segment, and a second part on another side of the first circumferential base segment and the second circumferential base segment. A first non-planar surface is connected to the first part, and the first non-planar surface has a first curvature not equal to the shell radius. A second non-planar surface is connected to the second part, and the second non-planar surface has a second curvature not equal to the shell radius.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]The present invention relates to orthopaedic cutting tools, and, more particularly, to acetabular reamers.[0003]2. Description of the Related Art[0004]Minimally invasive surgical techniques have the advantage of reducing the trauma to tissue surrounding the surgical site during a surgical procedure. The small incision that surgeons are using for minimally invasive hip surgery make it difficult to insert a current full size hemispherical acetabular reamer through the small incision. However, the full size hemispherical acetabular reamer cuts a full hemispherical shape in the acetabulum with minimal wobbling and therefore provides an excellent preparation for the hip joint prosthesis. Additionally, a reamer is required to be connected to a driver, which is in turn connected to a rotational tool. The driver has a specific structure at the proximal (to the surgical site) end thereof, which is compatible with specific attach...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention provides an orthopaedic cutting tool with a partially hemispherical shell that has non-planar surfaces with curved shapes that are not equal to the shell radius. This design allows for a minimally invasive surgical procedure and maintains a debris retaining cavity. The tool also cuts well and is easy and cost-effective to manufacture. Additionally, it is compatible with existing driver attachment mechanisms and drivers. Overall, the invention provides a better preparation of an acetabulum and is a useful tool for orthopaedic surgery."

Problems solved by technology

The small incision that surgeons are using for minimally invasive hip surgery make it difficult to insert a current full size hemispherical acetabular reamer through the small incision.

The purchase of a driver adds cost to the acquisition of the new reamer technology.

The lack of rotational symmetry can cause vibration and wobbling of the reamer when in use.

An irregular cavity in the acetabulum can reduce the expected lifetime of the hip joint prosthesis, cause discomfort for the patient and increase the wear in the artificial joint, among other problems.

By simply cutting off the sides of the reamer, such a reamer no longer provides a debris retaining cavity.

Further, these reamers lose rigidity, which reduces the cutting performance of the reamer, and the reliability.

Yet further, these reamers are relatively difficult to manufacture.

However, such a reamer creates stress points at the juncture of flat surfaces and the curved shell which can lead to cracks and failure of the reamer.

Further, such a reamer is relatively difficult to manufacture.

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